JAMIE Harney says he is ready to step into the breach for Colchester United – if and when he is called upon.

The 18-year-old centre-half is now a full-time U’s player, after his loan move from West Ham United was officially made permanent last week.

Harney has already had a taste of first-team action for Tony Humes’ side after coming on as a second-half substitute in their defeat at MK Dons, last November.

The Northern Ireland under-21 international was also an unused substitute for Colchester’s 1-1 draw at Bradford City, last weekend.

Harney said: “Anything can happen in a game and if you’re on the bench, you have to be switched on 24/7.

“I know that from the MK Dons game and it was a league debut that I’ll never forget!

“If I get the chance, I’ll be ready and willing.

“It’s brilliant to have a permanent deal here.

“It’s been great to have been travelling with the first team and being on the bench for matches.

“Now it’s a case of working hard and trying to establish myself in the team.”

Harney, who has signed a contract with the U’s until the summer of 2016, wants to follow the example of fellow former West Ham youngsters, Freddie Sears and George Moncur.

Both players left Upton Park to join Colchester initially on loan, much like fellow former Hammer Harney.

“Freddie was a good player to go to when I was at West Ham,” said the defender, who last summer skippered Northern Ireland under-19s to Milk Cup glory.

“He’s made a similar move to me and now he’s reaping the rewards and playing in the Championship.

“George Moncur is another player who’s made the same kind of move and he’s been playing games, so I hope to do the same.

“Coming from West Ham, there weren’t too many opportunities for youngsters there.

“The best thing for me to do was to try and kick-start my career at Colchester.

“The gaffer (at Colchester) said that he’s not afraid to throw youngsters in and when you see other young lads get an opportunity, it’s very encouraging.”

Harney is hoping to keep his place in the U’s squad for their crunch home clash with Crewe Alexandra, this weekend.

He added: “Crewe is a massive game for us on Saturday.

“We’ve got four points out of a possible six from our last two games and we’ll go into the game with plenty of confidence.”